Roger Capron is best known for his geometrically complex, vibrantly colored tile-topped coffee tables. These mid-century furnishings, with their comely palettes and playful arrangements of abstract forms or natural-world motifs, are approachable yet sophisticated. They draw on Scandinavian modernism and exemplify the Parisian ceramist’s belief in ensuring that things of beauty are easily and widely accessible, a principle espoused by French decorative artist and designer René Gabriel.
Capron graduated in 1943 from the School of Applied Arts in Paris. In a small atelier he later founded with Robert Picault and Jean Derval in Vallauris, Capron made alluring sculptures, table lamps and other objects and found inspiration in the work of Pablo Picasso, who had also opened an atelier in the region. He parted ways with his fellow ceramists in 1952 in order to open his own manufactory, Atelier Capron.
Initially staffed by a handful of workers, Atelier Capron captured international attention. His pieces were sold in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Gimbels. Later, Capron’s wife, Jacotte, studied art and became a valued collaborator. Owing in part to her expertise in mixing pigments and glazes, Capron’s best-known ceramics feature dazzling colors and whimsical characters. Like Picasso, he experimented with many artistic styles and never settled on one technique for too long. His coffee tables, side tables and decorative objects are among the most enduring and coveted designs of the mid-century modern era.
While Capron’s factory had grown tenfold by 1980, it shut down a few years later after a slew of competitors began mass-producing cheaper imitations.
Capron won an award at the Milan Triennial in 1954 and International Grand Prize for Ceramics in 1970. His works have been displayed in the Musée National de la Céramique and the Musée Magnelli.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Roger Capron ceramics, tables and other decorative objects and furniture.
$605Sale Price|37% Off
Vintage French Ceramic Tureen by Roger Capron, 'circa 1960s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Vintage French ceramic tureen by Roger Capron (circa 1960s). A luscious creamy white base with subtle grey-blue hues in the repeating décor patte...
Ceramic
Majolica French Ceramic Cow Tureen Caugant
By Michel Caugant
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica cow tureen circa 1940 signed Caugant.
Ceramic, Faience
Vintage Coastal Glazed Ceramic Crab Tureen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of coastal elegance to your dining experience with this vintage glazed ceramic tureen. Its beautifully crafted ocean-inspired design and vibrant glaze make it a standout ...
Ceramic
Pink Cabbage Glazed Ceramic Small Tureen or Bowl, Portugal, 1960s
By Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
A lovely hand painted Majolica ceramic pink cabbage small tureen, sugar bowl or sauceboat with lid. Manufactured by Bordallo Pinheiro. Portugal, 1960s This eye-catching small cabbage tureen...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
French Faience Tureen Desvres, circa 1900
By Desvres
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Tureen attributed to Desvres Circa 1900. Inspired by Rouen manufacture. Signed Arromanches.
Faience
Tiffany & Co. French Ceramic Pheasant Motif Tureen
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Astoria, NY
Tiffany and Company French Ceramic Pheasant Motif Covered Tureen, polychrome hand-painted on a yellow ground, signed and marked "Hand Painted / in France / For Tiffany and Co. / H" t...
Ceramic
French Faience Tureen Desvres, circa 1900
By Desvres
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Tureen attributed to Desvres Circa 1900. Inspired by Rouen maunufacture. Signed St Gilles Croix de vie.
Faience
Tureen Bowl Cauliflower Cabbage Vegetable
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful white (off-white) and green pottery cauliflower vegetable soup or stew tureen, Trompe l'Oeil style, circa mid-20th century. Tureen has a 'cauliflower' lid with knob ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Fish Tureen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the whimsical artistry of Italian ceramics with this extraordinary trompe l’oeil tureen. Expertly hand-crafted in Italy, this sculptural piece features a clever "fish" silh...
Ceramic
Antique French Caneware Game Pie Dish with Liner
Located in Houston, TX
Gorgeous 19th century French Napoleon III caneware game pie dish or tureen with lid and original liner adorned with fowl. Game pie dishes were used in th...
Faience
$1,878Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.19 in Dm 11.42 in
Midcentury XL Pineapple Tureen Centerpiece in Glazed Ceramic, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pineapple Tureen centerpiece with plate and ladle; Majolica, Glazed Ceramic. Portugal, 1960s This huge tureen has a very realistic pineapple design. A serving plate with leaves desig...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Silver Serving Bowl or Tureen with Lid and Ladle from France
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French silver serving bowl or tureen with lid and ladle, featuring a bowl with two opposing handles and gold-washed interior, circular lid or top with handle, and stylish ladl...
Silver
Ceramic Pitcher by Roger Capron, Vallauris, South France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic by Roger Capron, Vallauris, south of France Pitcher model P41 produced between 1953 and 1965. Largest size of the three for this model. "Pyjama" decor Signed "Capron Valla...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 5.12 in
Bol de Roger Capron en céramique emmaillé blanc et gris française 1960 Vintage
By Roger Capron
Located in London, England
Ce bol de Roger Capron peut également servir de vide poche, positionné sur une enfilade il est très décoratif. Roger Capron (1922 -2006) remporte en 1970 le Grand Prix International...
Ceramic
Large Ceramic Bowl Vide Poche by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Large decorative ceramic piece decorated with "Pyjama" pattern. Can be used as bowl, vide poche or serving plate. Roger Capron, (1922-2006) Vallauris, France. 1960s.
Ceramic
Small Free-Form Bowl by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Signed bowl by Roger Capron with colorful Pavé design (in Blue, Red, Yellow).